How I Prepare for My Long Hikes

Stuff I Mention in this Video:
How to Plan Your 1st Thru-Hike - • How to Plan Your 1st T...
How I Pack My Gear - • How I Pack My Gear 202...
2020 Gear List Video - • My 2020 Thru-Hike Gear...
2020 Gear List -darwinonthetrail.com/2020/03/...
Favorite Backpacking Gear of 2019 - • My Favorite Backpackin...
Get Exclusive Content & Support my 2020 CT Thru with a pledge as low as
a $1/month - / darwinonthetrail
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[@jdubvdub]

I’ve found that squats, deadlifts, calf raises, and short, heavy pack hikes on uneven terrain is the best way for me to train for a long hike.

[@mzimmerman1988]

The timing on this is great! I remember the first day I found your channel, I immediately knew I wanted to start hiking. I spent 2019 getting in shape (lost 60 pounds!) in preparation. Then Covid hit and my 2020 plans were mostly ruined. Yesterday decided that even though 2020 is not going to be the best hiking year ever, that I would start saving money so I could take time off to do a longer hike and more interesting trail. This video is encouraging and helpful, thanks :)

[@chriscleave2173]

2020 or not, it sounds like you made some great moves. 👍

[@cali5567]

Awesome. Keep up the positive attitude. Semper Fi and thanks for sharing.

[@mikefuse8064]

Get out there mate nothing better than being free

[@SwiggityPeanut]

did you get to start hiking?

[@bradygamble6126]

I’ve been watching your videos for a while now. You’ve inspired me to go on my first backpacking trip in the up in Michigan. I hiked and camped on a couple mountains. It was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had. Planning more in the future

[@walktalkbikeandhike642]

Thanks a lot Darwin! So interesting to see your process and how your outdoor experience has shaped your style of doing things. Will definitely be using these tips for my future adventures!

[@bakenasty8860]

Darwin your videos are SO great. Always informative, your delivery is great, well researched, well edited, and of course, you have a TON of real world experience. Tha ks so much for running this page.

[@parktheory]

Thank you very much for the much needed tips! They will definitely come in handy.

[@jeanangelo98]

You're seriously saving me so much time on research and on wasting money/struggles on bad equipment. Thanks for bringing such valuable content to us. Much love from Georgia

[@iamcat281]

Nice video. Planning the logistics of a hike is almost as exciting as the hike itself.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Great advice Darwin - love the details as I am totally OCD about planning haha!

[@stuartkeith2224]

Really liked this one. I feel I sometimes get a bit lazy with the planning of some of my trips. So it’s good that you have given a checklist of the process that you use which is tried and tested. I need to write this down for my next through hike. Thanks Darwin.

[@leftycut1]

Always good stuff ! The best part is, I can always revisit this video anytime for info and inspiration . Thanks Darwin !

[@michellem9630]

Amazingly helpful! Love the positive and encouraging vibe!

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

Thanks! I Try!

[@matthewgoetzka8855]

Thanks for the info. I've never been on a trail for more than 2 days but I'd like to give it a try

[@SrslyJonSweet]

Great overview, thx!! I’d explicitly add permits to the ballpark research stage since those so often have super long lead times that impact all the other planning.

[@journeysofsaltlick8596]

Important for PCT and if you're doing a CDT SOBO.

[@positiveholisticvegans4416]

Thank you Darwin! We love watching your videos! Thank you for all the great content! Namaste! 💚

[@tammyschilling5362]

I'd love to see a video about flying with your gear, either to get back home from a hike or to get to a trail head.

[@matthewlucciola8216]

Really comprehensive and thorough video on how to plan a long-distance hike. Awesome job as always!

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

Thanks Brother! 🤙

[@John-Adam]

One of the most helpful video i have ever seen. Would have been useful when i traveled to NZ in 2006

[@titanpreparedness]

Great information. Usually i just wing it and end up carrying far too much and injured by the end

[@jamesaphotography1286]

Great tips, thanks. I got some big UK hikes to come soon. As far as inspiration goes, I think everyone on this channel would agree that your a huge influence in that regard.

[@cali5567]

Hey, Darwin. I have enjoyed your gear advice, hikes and your unfailing encouragement of the community. My chance to explore long trails might be ending. BUT, I realized I can use all my gear to journey on a motorcycle. I have an old Brat, no saddle bags, so my Atmos 45 will be perfect. I can use so much of your advice. Thank you.

[@stevenirving6096]

Hey Darwin, your channel has helped me out a lot. I'm a college student, and fight wildland fire in the summers, but I'm hoping to be able to hike the pct next year, and the resources you provide have been extremely helpful (fingers crossed that we are allowed to do long distance hiking next year...)

[@celestine1964]

Thank you, this is very helpful. I've been planning to do a thru hiking but, circumstances at the moment have changed. After the situation changes then I'll be able to do one. I've been watching your videos for several years and find them very informative. Keep up the great work 👍. Say hi to snuggles.

[@markono2792]

I would like to request you show us how you repair and maintain your gear. What to look for especially the tent seams, walking sticks, etc. It is common for people to do gear reviews, but not much content on maintaining gear. You do not want any gear failure on the trail. Appreciate sharing of your love for the trail.

[@TomyHovingtonHiking]

Great information Darwin! Been busy lately getting ready for a longer section hike of the VIT ( mostly logistics as there are not a lot of camping allowed in the first stretch). And it’s a new trail . Exiting 🤙

[@squigburger]

Thanks for your vids on the AZ Trail. The AZ trail is my goal.

[@pierredehaze1086]

Ditto on the Wikipedia - Long distance trails hint, was not aware of it. Keep the great videos coming Darwin, love watching them and learning something new every time I watch.

[@deanslist4458]

hi Darwin, real enjoy your videos and maybe I see you on the Colorado trail this year. I've learned a lot from your videos and have shed about 5 lbs from my base weight from watching you and others. I'm going to be finishing a long section hike from Leadville to Durango to finish the whole trail from previous sections hikes over the years. See you out there Buddy!!!! I'm so pumped!!!!

[@canwiler]

The Highline trail is absolutely amazing, enjoy! I live in Utah and have done it multiple times, the most recent being 2018. Best time I've ever spent out on a trail. Aim for August to minimize the mosquitoes. Just put in 50 miles in the painter basin area last weekend and they were fierce! If you're not trying to do it solo you've got a fan ready to tag along!

[@agh.abolfazl204]

you are the inspiration for hiking

[@MillimeterMech]

Great video! Well thought out too! I agree with you about gear, it is very situational, no one and done pieces for all aspects. Cheers-southwest Michigan

[@WhiteKnight2996]

Hoping to hike the JMT when I done with my service in the Navy. Thanks for the info Darwin!

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

NICE!

[@bloodyeyeful]

Thank you very much for your service, good luck with the hiking plans.

[@johnchaney9932]

This is actually a really great free pillow well not exactly free I did have to buy a jacket which I hope someday to be able to wear I do not have that perfect V shape. I seen that you are now promoting 100-mile challenge and you will be getting training tips. Well I am not looking for anything for free I would appreciate maybe posting training tips on KZbin

[@Castellanos334]

Great video Darwin, I have yet to do a thru-hike, but I do backpack and peak bag often.

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

NICE!

[@tompava3923]

Hey Darwin, always good to catch your vids! Hoping all is good for you! Stay safe and ENJOY!!✌️😎

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

Thanks! You too! 🤙

[@journeysofsaltlick8596]

All the planning you talk about are right on! For training I do roughly 350 miles, in the gear I'm going to go with. That includes breaking in the shoes I'm going to mail. Roughly 50 miles each pair. I hike with a 27 lb pack for training. Worst I'll ever be coming out of town or water carry is 35 lb. Base weight is 16, so every section is usually 28 lbs down to 18 lbs.

[@TylerWangsgard]

Yay! It’s not as long as most of your hikes but I really hope the Uinta Highline Trail becomes one of your favorites. I’m doing the full distance from McKee Draw to Hayden Pass in early August. A lot of people start at Chepeta Lake which cuts off 35 miles.

[@barbaramcdaniel9385]

Hi Darwin! I met you in a laundromat at the Grand Canyon in 2019. I'm preparing to do the CT in 2022 (my first thru hike!) and all your videos are so helpful! Thanks for everything! Blessings, Basha

[@danielclipper931]

Hey did you do the through hike. How did it go?

[@jonahtaras5588]

Hey Darwin! long time subscriber here, I've been preparing for backpacking a while now and I appreciate the new video! Hopefully this summer ill be able to use all of the backpacking info i learned from your videos! fingers crossed 😄

[@aubreywhitley6889]

EXCELLENT! Great job Darwin.

[@tonyonthetrail4272]

Great info for planning. Thanks for sharing.

[@ericmenocal3768]

Good stuff as always. Thanks Darwin!

[@doriswlongAgoandfarAway]

If you need a ride from your Hotel to the trailhead at Waterton - would be glad to do that. I live about a mile from the trailhead.

[@cinpaii530]

Great video Darwin! I'd like to add something I didn't see mentioned in the ballpark research stage that might seem obvious but could be useful to new hikers: - see what permits are required For example, I've had to wait a couple years to plan my Wonderland Trail thru hike because it's a lottery system (with limited walk up permits) in order to be able to hike.

[@jimizxztheorginal]

Thanks Darwin!

[@mr.happycamper4864]

Hi Darwin, great video! I’m doing a weeklong backpack throughout next week, appreciate the advice! Just subbed to the channel and was also wondering if you had any updates to your “How I afford my lifestyle” video, I’m inspired by the way you live and I know that the channel has grown a lot. Keep up the good work!

[@perrytaylor6388]

Good info! Maybe I’ll run into you on the Highline. You’ll love it!

[@jamolljamoll2937]

A lot of that can also be applied to a novice just doing a short weekend hike too...obviously you wouldn’t need to worry about financials as much, but for someone doing their first backpacking trip just for a couple days could incorporate a lot of that.

[@Bushmanschool]

Thank you for your video.Great info brother.

[@skyblue-lb9kr]

Beautiful. You are a wonderful teacher...................

[@huntersouth108]

Hey darwin huge fan been watching ur videos for awhile getting ready for the AT this march just a quick question how do the permits work for the AT trail love your videos keep them coming

[@brigettee]

Thanks for the tips. Have you ever considered doing a more cultural hike, like one of the Caminos (not necessarily the Camino Francés) or the Inca Trail, or something similar? Planning for those might be a little different.

[@MostWanted17O1]

Perfect timing :D thanks a lot this will help me to plan my first long distance trip

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

Perfect! Where are you thinking?

[@MostWanted17O1]

@@DarwinOnthetrail I am planning to do the "The King’s Trail (Kungsleden)" in Sweden

[@hkstrongside]

Can't wait for your Uinta Highline hike. I just did 4 days in the Uintas. Summited Ostler Peak (12,690ft). Skeetos are raging at the moment. They seem to chill out toward the end of July. Thanks for your vids!

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

NICE! 🤙

[@tonyblackmon4200]

It is probably a good idea to take into account elevation changes in planning . I recently took the opportunity to do the at approach trail on the east coast. The trail was great but and it is a major but, I didn’t know that the 1000 feet of ups and downs per mile would be there. The 8 plus miles on flat terrrain would have been a easy 3.5 hour trip out and the same back . But with that kind of up and down elevation, it turned into an eight hour out and 8 hour back trip. I’m in pretty good shape but in mid summer temps it was tough. Rewarding but. Still tougher than I thought... just my thoughts ...

[@visualpossibilities7680]

I'm sure you have all your plans in place to get to the Highline Trail. If you need a "Plan B", I'm in Salt Lake to help. It's about a 90 drive to the trailhead from SLC. Great advice on this video. Hiker Steve

[@positiveholisticvegans4416]

"Go with the flow" 💚

[@Mr.Miyagi907]

Useful video, thanks!

[@CasperJLT707]

You had me at efficient but very thorough as well...niice. 😎👍

[@pawadventures5544]

Good video. Thank you for sharing. 👍🏻

[@uga.d4173]

Fantastic video! Thanks!

[@danielfloro1837]

Thanks for the great video Darwin. You are a video making machine!

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

😂😂😂... Sometimes I feel like a machine.

[@safromnc8616]

GL - am looking forward to your thoughts on each ! Be Safe !

[@melindaadams6520]

I was so hoping to see you on the CT. You're right about the unexpected. We were on the trail three days when my daughter herniated a disk. Luckily she had a Garmin Mini and was able to reach a shuttle driver to take us back to Denver. Happy trails. Thank you so much for all your videos.

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

Bummer! Hope she is ok... 😬

[@melindaadams6520]

We'll be back next summer.

[@dougnevitt2257]

excellent video! Thanks

[@kevincoulter2239]

Thanks Darwin. Thanks for the video! Spaced looking for Long-Distance hikes in Wikipedia. Nice reminder.

[@bloodyeyeful]

Well done Sir. Do you carry a coconut cut in half and clack it together as you walk?

[@jasonpettit9984]

Keep on Truckin Brother.

[@syvs4491]

Great information!!! Thank you.

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

Glad it was helpful! 👍

[@jakejohnson2428]

Great video. Thank you

[@tomkrusic1104]

Hey Darwin, when you going to be on the CT? might see ya out there... be safe.

[@outnaboutusa1705]

great info .. thanks for sharing man!

[@gregmortonoutdoors]

You'll have to jump off the trail and get into Leadville, CO. Very cool town and the city with the highest elevation in the US. At the end, stay a night at the Strayer Hotel in Durango, you won't be disappointed.

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

I have a good friend that is from Leadville & just moved back. I'll def be stoping in to see him!

[@GrislyAtoms12]

Haha! At 5:44 it actually looks as if you're smoking! There is mist coming off the mountain behind you as if you just exhaled, and the thin white line of the road sign lines up perfectly with you mouth to simulate a cigarette.

[@MileHighIsland]

Aloha Darwin, are you planning on doing any kind of meet up when you are doing the Colorado trail?

[@delphinelesterlost3285]

My husband is planning to do the PCT in the future, it's a lot of preparation

[@marjiecleveland]

Really good to know!

[@cosmicerror2924]

Wish darwin would check out the LiteAF packs they look pretty cool and I've heard good things about them.

[@stevecoffey4884]

Cub Scout hat is cool!

[@quattovallor71]

TY.

[@doylesmith4615]

How do you plan to navigate the Uinta Highland Trail? I have my eye on that one!

[@tinmanandoliveoylsadventur7129]

Good info. Pretty much what I did for my March 25th pct start date that didn't happen respecting the pcta covid recommendation. 2 areas that I got tied up. 1 was not getting my base weight where I wanted, not due to finances. 2 resupply points after Kennedy meadows south. I decided to resupply on the fly. Due to shakedown hikes. I ended up with 2 tents, lol.

[@michaelsykes2975]

First comment hahah man I’m so thankful for you’re videos I’m preparing my thru hike next year gonna do the pct.... you rock man

[@bloodyeyeful]

Best of Luck.

[@michaelsykes2975]

Thanks brotha I appreciate it

[@journeysofsaltlick8596]

Same here! I'm doing a Flip/Flop starting at Castle Crag going NOBO, then after Castle Crag to Monument 78, I'll do the Castle Crag to Campo. This is the start on my Triple Crown. What you doing NOBO or SOBO? The best way to experience the PCT is NOBO.

[@IPv6Freely]

I live in San Diego, so I plan to section hike at least some of the PCT this fall/winter once the desert cools down. I'd love to do the entire thing eventually, and really don't care if it has to be done a week here, a week there. I'm also not hung up on the whole "has to be done in a year to count as a completed section hike" nonsense. The nice thing with section hiking is I don't have to be on the trail with a million other PCT hikers and can just do sections whenever I want, weather permitting.

[@johneason6540]

It would be nice to see a training video on how to use guthook fully. I'm sure there are features that I dont know how to use. Thanks I remember you talking about training before, I walk everywhere now in all weather hot,cold,wet and people don't understand me??? I'm the crazy neighbor.

[@terranceandcopper]

Have taken to hiking with my pack on for errands. Going for liquor or grocery online curbside pickup (especially at the beginning of a long training hike) is great! Did get yelled at outside a liquor store to "get out of our town you bum!", but, seeing how this guy was driving a beater vintage 90s corolla, complete with mispainted door, I didn't take offense. If I was quicker of wit, I would have yelled "Not homeless, this pack costs more than your car!" :) Also: parking garages are great ways to get incline (up and down) training. plus shade and rain protection for foul weather!

[@darodes]

Always SOLID videos. 👍👍👍👍👍

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

Much appreciated 🤙

[@mahmoudelhariri6682]

Love it ❤

[@dommanzano8201]

Hey Darwin! How you prepare for a rainy season hike? Greetings from Philippines 🇵🇭

[@russelllindsay7596]

When will you be doing the Uinta Highline Trail? Me and my brother are planning the last week of July. It would be fun to see you out there!!

[@Xygs1313]

My brother and I will be doing King's Peak that week.

[@journeysofsaltlick8596]

Starting my Triple next year. PCT F/F, then AT F/F and ending with CDT SOBO. All three are planned to the day, the dollar and every entry/exit. In '05 I won the "Most Useless Item" contest at ADZPCTKO, with my 100 page plan. Yes - every plan goes out once the hike starts, but the plans there it just needs to modify.

[@ellief4277]

Woah, I’m starting my triple crown journey next year - PCT, CDT, then AT. Best of luck to you! Happy trails!

[@lonelycrescendo]

I'm so excited, I have about 8-9 months to prepare. I hope I can save up what I need, I hear people run out of funds and have to return. :(

[@PaulsDizzy]

Thanks !

[@Ham-jr2ve]

Darwin, Are you going to hike the mountains to sea trail?

[@theamericanhiker9655]

Really wish I could do a thru hike.....married and bought a house. But I will be doing a section hike soon!

[@sabrinabenoit3454]

I also like guthook but I’ve discovered an other app called hiiker wich is really well made and accurate.

[@husbyb86]

Really itching to get out on That One Trail.

[@doublew030]

Doubt you will do any hiking in Texas but let me know if you need storage for your vehicle or anything. I got plenty of space and it’s free. I’m in Houston.

[@johnarcher8090]

Great info...😎

[@paulrichmond3348]

Very informative...thanks :)

[@benb4364]

It seems as though alot of people in the hiking community are going to hike the Colorado trail

[@eidiotwind2084]

Darwin, what is the name of your Dirty Girl design gaitors?